18 NOVEMBER 1932, Page 16

A Radio Review IT is to be hoped that last

Sunday's broadcast of Romeo and Juliet paves the way for many similar broadcasts. Sunday plays might well be a regular feature on one wave-length, and the choice need not be limited to Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet was admirably adapted, went with commendable speed, and on the whole was well cast. Both Romeo and Juliet sounded much too-old (since we had nothing but their voices to " see " them- by) and Ralph RichfirclsOn's Mercutio' and Martita Hunt's Nurse were the best of the bunch. Here was an obvious opportunity for music specially composed' for the microphone, but the opportunity was neglected in favour of "music off" in the old theatrical style. And once again the conviction was rammed home that Shake- speare's plays, since the language is largely visual and the action inherent on the text, are still the best plays for broad-, casting.